Sandon Point
Website of the Sandon Point Community Picket (upgrade to CMS)
2006
Sandon Point comprises 61-hectares of open space between the coastal villages of Thirroul and Bulli in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, on the east coast of NSW, Australia. The area is significant for many different reasons including Aboriginal, environmental, colonial history, and public space values. As such, protection and preservation of the area has forged an active, strong and united community campaign.
Public knowledge of the rich Aboriginal history and ongoing connection to land at Sandon Point has increased dramatically over the last five years through the outreach of the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) and the actions of its members to protect country and culture. The support of groups like the Northern Illawarra Reconciliation and Treaty Group and the Sandon Point Community Picket have helped further SPATEs positive influences.
Alongside the rich Aboriginal history and ongoing connection to land, the Sandon Point area has a strong community history post the arrival of the first Europeans in the area – both tainted and positive. The environmental qualities of the area – and their survival amongst increasing urban sprawl and consolidation – provide another strong reason for the necessary protection of the area. The area is home to internationally protected species, endangered ecological communities, and significant ecological diversity unmatched in the Illawarra region.
The Sandon Point Community Picket was established in March 2001, providing a direct physical and visible presence of the widespread community support for protection of the area and opposition to the proposed residential estate promoted by Stockland. It also provides a space for people to come together, share knowledge, learn from each other, and appreciate the value and beauty of the area.
The Sandon Point Community Picket, alongside the Sandon Point Aboriginal Tent Embassy (SPATE) – and all their supporters – continues to work against bureaucratic ineptitude on the part of Wollongong City Council, the State and Federal governments, as well as corporate misinformation, manipulation and greed.